The mission of the Strafford School District is to develop, in conjunction with the community, educated and responsible citizens in a developmentally appropriate environment that values learning and celebrates learners.

Strafford School Philosophy

The recognition and acceptance of individual differences within an environment of respect and understanding is the foundation of the Strafford School Philosophy. A partnership between school, staff, parents, and the community is encouraged in an ongoing effort to meet the specific needs and provide opportunities for the social, emotional, physical, and academic development of all children.

Strafford School strives to create a successful and positive school experience for each child and maintains high expectations for behavior and performance. The school seeks to develop in students strong character, a lifelong appreciation for learning, an acceptance of diversity, and a commitment to community service.

About Strafford School

Strafford School is located on 22 Roller Coaster Road in Strafford, N.H. a rural community with a population of approximately 3500. The school has an enrollment of over 400 students with approximately 80 administrative, teaching, paraprofessional, and support staff. The school houses classes from kindergarten to grade 8. The school is divided into an elementary and middle school area. Strafford School is one of three school districts supervised by SAU44. A local five member school board works closely with the administration to provide a safe and comfortable environment that supports the education of all students.

In addition to the core subject areas, the school offers robotics, art, classroom music, instrumental music, physical education, project adventure, Spanish, health education, reading services, chorus, and technology education programs. An extensive array of extra-curricular activities are also offered including a school newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook, interscholastic sports, Destination Imagination, Amnesty International, Digital Film Production, student government and other activities that vary year to year. The school supports an extensive peer tutoring program that links older students with lower grade students who struggle in reading and math. The school also enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, the districts’ high school of record.

The district has an extensive special education program that includes five special education teachers, 18 paraprofessionals, two speech and language therapists, two speech and language assistants, and a special education administrative assistant. OT, PT, behavioral services, and psychological services are also available to the school on a scheduled basis. The school provides extensive tutoring and support services to at risk students.

Strafford School has a guidance councilor that provide support to the entire student body. The counselor also coordinates such special programs and activities as parent/student dialog sessions, the John Hopkins Talented Youth Program, divorce support groups, community outreach, teen institute, substance abuse and decision making programming, special assemblies (Good Touch/Bad Touch), and other experiences based on student and community needs.

Reading specialists consult with teachers and work directly with students in reading at all levels. Strafford School has a fully implemented Reading Recovery Program that provides early intervention to first grade students needing support in reading. The reading team also coordinates school wide reading initiatives such as Reading Across America and other special events and celebrations that promote reading and writing. Strafford is a targeted Title 1 school.

Technology is integrated into all areas of the curriculum in Strafford. The school has a modern 24 station computer lab and several portable computer carts that are used extensively throughout the building. A Director of Technology and Technology Teacher support programming in this area. The building offers wireless access throughout the school. The school also uses digital technology to produce its own newsletters, websites, photographs, videos, and other media.

Strafford School provides a many and varied professional growth activities in house throughout the school year and during a summer institute. At least two graduate level courses have been offered annually at the school over the last few years providing convenient growth opportunities for all staff. Programming is directly linked with needs determined by the NWEA MAP assessment program, State of N.H. Testing, and through the use of a number of other assessment tools. Data driven decisions provide the foundation for all curriculum, instruction, and professional growth programming at the school

Strafford School has a volunteer program and a strong PTO. The district enjoys a high level of support and trust from the community and works hard to strengthen that relationship by helping each student develop to their potential as students, as individuals, as lifelong learners, and as citizens. The school is proud to partner with UNH in supporting the education intern program and encourages all potential interns to consider Strafford as their program site.